Safe Return and Medical Alert Join Forces for Safety
and Usability
In a move to significantly improve the safety of individuals
with Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association and the
MedicAlert Foundation have created an alliance to bring people
MedicAlert plus the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return
program. Together these two programs offer assistance when a
person wanders or is lost and access to vital medical information
in the time of need. There is a one-time membership fee of
$49.95 with an annual renewal fee of $25. Complete details may be
found at www.alzco.org. (Type the words "Safe Return" in the
search box and click 'go,' or call the Alzheimer's Association Help
Line in your area.)
Principles of Care Provided by American Association for
Geriatric Psychiatry
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry provides a
first-of-its kind model of care for physicians and clinicians
working with patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's
disease. The model provides guidance about the key elements
of six care principals and discusses why this care should be made
available to patients with Alzheimer's disease and their
caregivers. The position statement encompasses clinical care for
patients in typical clinical settings such as primary care,
specialist care, and long-term care, including assisted living
environments. The care model consists of a series of therapeutic
interventions that are pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic and aims
to:
- Delay disease progression
- Delay functional decline
- Improve quality of life
- Support dignity
- Control symptoms
- Provide comfort at all stages of the disease
To review these principles and the position statement in its
entirety, log on to http://www.aagponline.org/prof/position_caredmnalz.asp